The aim of this course is to provide a brief taste of powerboating for beginners. The one day practical course will include some basic boat handling techniques and a little of the essential background knowledge required to safety operate a powerboat. It is recommended that all participants go on to consolidate this short introduction with the two day courseISA Powerboat Level 2 leading to the award of the ISA National Powerboat Certificate.

Course Type: Theory & Practical

Required Experience: Under Irish law it is illegal for anyone under sixteen to operate a powerboat that is capable of 17 knots or more

By the end of this two day course the successful participant will be capable of helming without supervision in good conditions and familiar waters. They will also be safety conscious and have a basic knowledge of boat preparation and handling both ashore and afloat.

Course Type: Theory & Practical

Required Experience: Under Irish law it is illegal for anyone under sixteen to operate a powerboat that is capable of 17 knots or more

By the end of this course, the successful participant will have a sound introduction to using fast open boats at sea. An essentially practical course equipping experienced boat users with the tools necessary to take fast open boats like RIBs on coastal passages, this course covers skills ranging from advanced boat handling through to pilotage by day and night.

Course details

Course Type: Practical, some theory

Required Experience: Under Irish law it is illegal for anyone under sixteen to operate a powerboat that is capable of 17 knots or more

Assumed Knowledge:

Course Content: advanced boat handling through to pilotage by day and night

Ability After Course: A sound introduction to using fast open boats at sea

By the end of this course, the successful candidate will have a wide range of boat handling techniques and experience in the provision of safety cover for sailing events. Areas covered will include, towing, assistance with race management, mark laying and the provision of assistance for sailing dinghies (single handed & crewed), windsurfers, kite surfers, Kayaks and canoes.

Course Type: Practical

Required Experience: Under Irish law it is illegal for anyone under sixteen to operate a powerboat that is capable of 17 knots or more

This 1-day course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence. It includes close quarters handling, high speed manoeuvres, man overboard recovery and collision regulations. Our course has the added advantage of being endorsed for coastal waters & gives you both the RYA & ICC qualifications.

This courses can be taken either onboard a centre's boat or your own boat, although different prices apply. The RYA's National Powerboat Scheme is for those who use small, open powerboats for leisure or work, whether for their own sake or in connection with another activity such as sailing or rescue. The scheme comprises a series of practical courses which can be complemented by our navigation courses and other one-day support courses.

Use them simply to increase your knowledge and confidence, or as a progression to the RYA/MCA Certificates of Competence which are recognised by maritime authorities worldwide. Our course takes place over two days. By taking your course at our training centre you can expect to be taught by an experienced, qualified instructor on seaworthy boats with a maximum of 3 trainees (depending on the level of course).

Children aged between 8 and 11 are able to take the Level 1 course, and once they are 12 they can take the Level 2 course. Their certificates will be endorsed to show that they must use boats only under the supervision of a responsible adult. Please note this course is not suitable for anyone suffering from back, knee or neck problems or another condition resulting in the inability to hold on tight.

The maximum ratio instructor/attendee determined by the RYA quality standard is 1/3 and applies for standard and 'own boat' tuition.

Course Type: Theory & Practical

Required Experience: None

Assumed Knowledge: None. Minimum age 8. Candidates under the age of 16 will be issued an endorsed certificate.